Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Beijing on Tuesday night for a visit aimed at deepening the two sides’ comprehensive partnership, four days after the Chinese capital hosted US President Donald Trump.

This is the Russian leader’s 25th visit to China.

Putin was given a formal red-carpet reception at the airport, where he shared a warm handshake with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. A military guard of honour stood to attention, and teenagers waved Chinese and Russian flags to welcome him.

Amid the chant of “welcome, welcome, warm welcome”, Wang walked Putin to his car on the red carpet before the two exchanged a few words with smiles on their faces.

President Vladimir Putin is welcomed by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at Beijing Capital Airport late on Tuesday. Photo: AFP

Putin will stay at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse, the traditional venue for hosting foreign leaders. His official itinerary begins on Wednesday morning in Tiananmen Square with an official welcoming ceremony, followed by a meeting with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping.